LONG SHOT Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

long shot

noun

Definition of long shot

as in dark horse

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

sure thing

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of long shot Some cold cases do eventually thaw…the result of a crisis of conscience or a dying declaration, but in the case of Shergar, sure seems like a long shot. — Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 Sorsby’s court fight against the NCAA feels like a long shot. — Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2026 If the Rangers are fully healthy, Vaakanainen is a long shot to start the season in the lineup after Mike Sullivan trusted him with only 34 games last year, even as the blue line battled injuries. — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Former Boston College outside linebacker Quintayvious Hutchins became their final selection at 247th overall, and like most seventh-round picks, Hutchins was immediately cast as a long shot to make the roster. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for long shot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for long shot

Noun

Leaving no pizza stone unturned, the results usually shake out as a healthy mix of the usual suspects and the odd dark horse, with the number one spot on the 2026 list snatched by a first-time world champion in West London.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
Professional comedian Nate Bargatze, who hosted last year, was much more of a dark horse.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of dark horse

Noun

Dak Prescott then orchestrated an 11-play, 74-yard drive that included a fourth down conversion and capped it with the throw to Lamb to give the Cowboys the victory.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
There was the Dolphins’ play of the day that ultimately wasn’t — a nimble escape from pressure and a dart to Chris Bell, who would have scored a 68-yard TD if one of his toes hadn’t grazed the sideline.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of play

Noun

Sessions, in a letter seeking leniency that was read into the record by his chief of staff, said his former congressional colleague devoted decades to public service, much of it focused on defending liberty and democracy.

— Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Tight, familial church communities, huddled in isolated villages and small towns; people held in place; a striking lack of privacy and liberty.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of liberty

Browse Nearby Words

longshoremen

long shot

long shots

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Style

“Long shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/long%20shot. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of long shot

noun

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